Although, under the revised arrangenients, we might be mitted to make still another crease after n certain length of time and that even autonomy might be granted to us after still further lapse of time, we are nevertheless uncertain us to when ther we shall obtain all the benefits which are provided for in the treaties, because in accordance with the diplomatic practice prevalent in China, new provisos always arise to prevent the fulfilment of treaty: obligations. The foreign Powers take advantage of such incidents to postpone the fulfilment of the treaty promises, with the result that nothing is accomplished. The diplomatic history of China will verify the trath of this. statement, ren if the new treaties are signed, it is doubtful whether the signatory Powers will be bound to live up to the new obligations, For there are the nations with whom we are in treaty but who are not! to attend this conference to provide the 2) per cent. additional duty, anil in ageordance with the oper: tions of the Most Favoured Nation Clause, the signatories will have all the benefits which the non-signatory nations may enjoy. What steps can we take to prevent thave contingencies from arising?
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.